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Style is not measured in square feet. So no matter how small your space, opt for a look that's powerhouse – not poky. We've rounded up some of our go-to upgrades, from graphic wall treatments and riveting patterns to big-scale furniture and bold colour. While tailored to small living rooms, they work for floor spaces of any size. Which will you steal? Check them out to decide!
Living Rooms
15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to Steal
April 6, 2018
Style is not measured in square feet. So no matter how small your space, opt for a look that's powerhouse – not poky. We've rounded up some of our go-to upgrades, from graphic wall treatments and riveting patterns to big-scale furniture and bold colour. While tailored to small living rooms, they work for floor spaces of any size. Which will you steal? Check them out to decide!
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Party of Four
1/15Party of Four
1/15Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Before we take in the inviting display on the floating shelves, let's focus on this sofa. Like many that are vintage, it features four seat cushions. These create an elongated silhouette, which a two-seater simply couldn't. They also form a bit of a visual trick: if this small space can fit such a long sofa, maybe it isn't so small. The white-on-white shelves above it are styled with vibrant artwork and match the length of the sofa to subtly reinforce the roomy effect. Here's an inside look at <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/hand-painted-murals-and-kaleidoscopic-doors-transform-this-sunny-house-1908089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this rainbow-bright home</a>.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealParty of Four
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Before we take in the inviting display on the floating shelves, let's focus on this sofa. Like many that are vintage, it features four seat cushions. These create an elongated silhouette, which a two-seater simply couldn't. They also form a bit of a visual trick: if this small space can fit such a long sofa, maybe it isn't so small. The white-on-white shelves above it are styled with vibrant artwork and match the length of the sofa to subtly reinforce the roomy effect. Here's an inside look at <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/hand-painted-murals-and-kaleidoscopic-doors-transform-this-sunny-house-1908089/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this rainbow-bright home</a>.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Between the Lines
2/15Between the Lines
2/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Sometimes there's just no way around a small space. So rather than trying to disguise it, why not celebrate it? Wrapping a tiny room in big, colourful stripes packs a graphic punch that's bold and dramatic. Funnily enough, it also creates an expansive effect (just imagine solid-coloured walls here and the look becomes claustrophobic). The furniture in complementary neutral shades is key as it shifts eyes to the walls, where the standout stripes keep them moving.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealBetween the Lines
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Sometimes there's just no way around a small space. So rather than trying to disguise it, why not celebrate it? Wrapping a tiny room in big, colourful stripes packs a graphic punch that's bold and dramatic. Funnily enough, it also creates an expansive effect (just imagine solid-coloured walls here and the look becomes claustrophobic). The furniture in complementary neutral shades is key as it shifts eyes to the walls, where the standout stripes keep them moving.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Green Space
3/15Green Space
3/15Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
It may seem counter intuitive, but placing a large, dark piece of furniture at the end of a narrow white room actually makes the space seem bigger. Here, a vintage sofa in a look-at-me shade of green feels bold and inviting against all-white walls. Its colour and scale draw the eye away from the room's narrow dimensions, showcasing the pretty bay window and extending the view out to the leafy street.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealGreen Space
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -It may seem counter intuitive, but placing a large, dark piece of furniture at the end of a narrow white room actually makes the space seem bigger. Here, a vintage sofa in a look-at-me shade of green feels bold and inviting against all-white walls. Its colour and scale draw the eye away from the room's narrow dimensions, showcasing the pretty bay window and extending the view out to the leafy street.Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Form a Pattern
4/15Form a Pattern
4/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Pattern and texture transform tiny to terrific in this living room. On their own, these bold accessories in shades of emerald and turquoise would shine – combined they become a beacon of inspiration. The clever use of print and stripes on the drapes draws the eye upward and frames the view out to the street. The artwork's bold brushstrokes continue that energy on a windowless wall, and the cushions and ottoman are visual magnets. The takeaway? Mix vibrant patterns with abandon, but make sure they share a colour palette for impact that's cohesive, not complicated.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealForm a Pattern
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Pattern and texture transform tiny to terrific in this living room. On their own, these bold accessories in shades of emerald and turquoise would shine – combined they become a beacon of inspiration. The clever use of print and stripes on the drapes draws the eye upward and frames the view out to the street. The artwork's bold brushstrokes continue that energy on a windowless wall, and the cushions and ottoman are visual magnets. The takeaway? Mix vibrant patterns with abandon, but make sure they share a colour palette for impact that's cohesive, not complicated.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Abstract Expansionism
5/15Abstract Expansionism
5/15Photo Credit: Mike Caringi
Abstract artwork makes a big statement in <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/tour-the-fresh-and-inviting-home-of-toronto-designer-tiffany-leigh-1900634/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Tiffany Leigh's small living room</a>. Positioned above the sofa and beside the entry to the dining area, it defines the living room as a stellar space that holds its own in the open floor plan. Given that, there is nice continuity between the two areas thanks to the natural materials used in the cane-sided armchair and the bamboo dining chairs.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealAbstract Expansionism
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Abstract artwork makes a big statement in <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/tour-the-fresh-and-inviting-home-of-toronto-designer-tiffany-leigh-1900634/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Tiffany Leigh's small living room</a>. Positioned above the sofa and beside the entry to the dining area, it defines the living room as a stellar space that holds its own in the open floor plan. Given that, there is nice continuity between the two areas thanks to the natural materials used in the cane-sided armchair and the bamboo dining chairs.Photo Credit: Mike Caringi
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Wall Space
6/15Wall Space
6/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Many might be tempted to place this two-seat sofa on the longer wall beneath the circular artwork, but we love how the homeowners positioned it here on the half wall. It makes this small space look intentional, rather than left over or tiny by default, and establishes an inviting vibe. The sofa also demarcates a proper seating area in the open-plan layout, and the artwork above it echoes the mood. We love how it and the tabletop introduce curves into this linear area.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealWall Space
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Many might be tempted to place this two-seat sofa on the longer wall beneath the circular artwork, but we love how the homeowners positioned it here on the half wall. It makes this small space look intentional, rather than left over or tiny by default, and establishes an inviting vibe. The sofa also demarcates a proper seating area in the open-plan layout, and the artwork above it echoes the mood. We love how it and the tabletop introduce curves into this linear area.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Angle Shot
7/15Angle Shot
7/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
While not especially small, this room is tricky space-wise thanks to its bank of glass doors and windows on an angled wall. An ingenious way to minimize this is to essentially ignore them. We love the way the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a> placed the armchair directly in front of the door to define this end of the living room. They also decorated the wall behind the sofa to balance the space. Note how high they hung the floating shelves - this keeps the living room and its seating area the focal point. Here's a peek at the rest of <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/this-modern-rustic-home-is-an-outdoor-lovers-dream-1897042/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this outdoorsy living space</a>.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealAngle Shot
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -While not especially small, this room is tricky space-wise thanks to its bank of glass doors and windows on an angled wall. An ingenious way to minimize this is to essentially ignore them. We love the way the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Property Brothers</a> placed the armchair directly in front of the door to define this end of the living room. They also decorated the wall behind the sofa to balance the space. Note how high they hung the floating shelves - this keeps the living room and its seating area the focal point. Here's a peek at the rest of <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/this-modern-rustic-home-is-an-outdoor-lovers-dream-1897042/#currentSlide=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">this outdoorsy living space</a>.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Seating Plan
8/15Seating Plan
8/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Who says you need a sofa in a small space? Two sleek seats, like these textured slipper chairs, are practical options that keep the floor plan open and airy. A round area rug, coffee table, stool and pendant light further the informal mood and act as foils to the room's square footprint. Draw inspiration from the rest of this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/a-cramped-fixer-upper-is-transformed-into-a-stunning-modern-showpiece-1906436">timeless-meets-modern home</a>.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealSeating Plan
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Who says you need a sofa in a small space? Two sleek seats, like these textured slipper chairs, are practical options that keep the floor plan open and airy. A round area rug, coffee table, stool and pendant light further the informal mood and act as foils to the room's square footprint. Draw inspiration from the rest of this <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/a-cramped-fixer-upper-is-transformed-into-a-stunning-modern-showpiece-1906436">timeless-meets-modern home</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Area Code
9/15Area Code
9/15Photo Credit: John Phillips
Many older spaces (<a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-run-down-100-year-old-toronto-home-is-transformed-into-a-sun-dappled-urban-oasis-1898911/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">like this 100-year-old Toronto home</a>) are renovated to feature an open floor plan. It's a design that's conducive to modern living, but one that can be hard to decorate. A simple solution is to demarcate a small space with an area rug. We love this one both for its pattern and colour, but especially the way it's placed directly against the wall – a visual trick that makes the area look like a proper room off the "hallway" leading to the dining room and kitchen.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealArea Code
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -Many older spaces (<a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-run-down-100-year-old-toronto-home-is-transformed-into-a-sun-dappled-urban-oasis-1898911/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">like this 100-year-old Toronto home</a>) are renovated to feature an open floor plan. It's a design that's conducive to modern living, but one that can be hard to decorate. A simple solution is to demarcate a small space with an area rug. We love this one both for its pattern and colour, but especially the way it's placed directly against the wall – a visual trick that makes the area look like a proper room off the "hallway" leading to the dining room and kitchen.Photo Credit: John Phillips
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Geometry Lessons
10/15Geometry Lessons
10/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Sometimes more is more, especially in small spaces. A masterful mix of furnishings and accessories – from the carpet and cushions to the angled floating shelves – infuses interest into this otherwise plain space. And while we love exposed brick, if it and the other walls were left unadorned, the space would feel like a tiny basement rather than a dynamic space brimming with visual interest from every angle.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealGeometry Lessons
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Sometimes more is more, especially in small spaces. A masterful mix of furnishings and accessories – from the carpet and cushions to the angled floating shelves – infuses interest into this otherwise plain space. And while we love exposed brick, if it and the other walls were left unadorned, the space would feel like a tiny basement rather than a dynamic space brimming with visual interest from every angle.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Decor Score
11/15Decor Score
11/15Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
Every part of this small living room is furnished which is, paradoxically, why it doesn't look cluttered. There's a lot going on here: a full-sized sofa, chairs flanking the fireplace, a wooden chest, artwork and more. Yet, all of these conspire to create a decorated tableau that you'd expect to find in a large home rather than in a small space like this apartment (check out the <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/80s-glam-meets-palm-springs-at-this-trendy-and-frugal-apartment-makeover-1901470/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">entire glam makeover here</a>).Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealDecor Score
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Every part of this small living room is furnished which is, paradoxically, why it doesn't look cluttered. There's a lot going on here: a full-sized sofa, chairs flanking the fireplace, a wooden chest, artwork and more. Yet, all of these conspire to create a decorated tableau that you'd expect to find in a large home rather than in a small space like this apartment (check out the <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/80s-glam-meets-palm-springs-at-this-trendy-and-frugal-apartment-makeover-1901470/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">entire glam makeover here</a>).Photo Credit: Lauren Kolyn
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Big Time
12/15Big Time
12/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
An oversized armchair and lamps play with scale and give this small room a spacious countenance. The light walls, window coverings and upholstery have an airy effect, and we like the way symmetry was shunned here – there is just one of everything and each item is positioned in a way that's practical for relaxing and entertaining.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealBig Time
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -An oversized armchair and lamps play with scale and give this small room a spacious countenance. The light walls, window coverings and upholstery have an airy effect, and we like the way symmetry was shunned here – there is just one of everything and each item is positioned in a way that's practical for relaxing and entertaining.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Wraparound Welcome
13/15Wraparound Welcome
13/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
It's not surprising that this inviting space was designed by Scott McGillivray. As a pro, he sees beyond what most would deem not even a room, more of an awkward area with an off-centre window. By adding a sectional, he enveloped the room with ample seating and gave it purpose (it's now a snug TV room). An area rug further defines the space, and we love how he used tables here – the bar tray table is welcoming and helps form an official entryway to the open room.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealWraparound Welcome
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -It's not surprising that this inviting space was designed by Scott McGillivray. As a pro, he sees beyond what most would deem not even a room, more of an awkward area with an off-centre window. By adding a sectional, he enveloped the room with ample seating and gave it purpose (it's now a snug TV room). An area rug further defines the space, and we love how he used tables here – the bar tray table is welcoming and helps form an official entryway to the open room.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Shades of Grey
14/15Shades of Grey
14/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
A focal wall is an easy and fun way to transform a small living room. This one works especially well as the grey paint is a lively contrast to the white floating shelves and all they display. By echoing the neutral palette of the furniture and rug, the wall complements the space while adding depth and interest.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealShades of Grey
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -A focal wall is an easy and fun way to transform a small living room. This one works especially well as the grey paint is a lively contrast to the white floating shelves and all they display. By echoing the neutral palette of the furniture and rug, the wall complements the space while adding depth and interest.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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True Blue
15/15True Blue
15/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Is it stating the obvious to say that a white sofa would get lost here? Maybe, but it's important to remember that all small spaces need at least one statement piece. A bold blue sofa is a smart choice here (and especially lovely at twilight when this photo was taken). It's not only a definitive focal point, but also a source for colour inspiration – see how nicely its hue is interpreted in the area rug, cushions and vase. Not much more is needed and because of that, this room appears much larger than it is.Living Rooms15 Small Living Room Design Ideas You’ll Want to StealTrue Blue
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -Is it stating the obvious to say that a white sofa would get lost here? Maybe, but it's important to remember that all small spaces need at least one statement piece. A bold blue sofa is a smart choice here (and especially lovely at twilight when this photo was taken). It's not only a definitive focal point, but also a source for colour inspiration – see how nicely its hue is interpreted in the area rug, cushions and vase. Not much more is needed and because of that, this room appears much larger than it is.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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